How did “That Girl” transform into “Mommy”?

“This is not quite as glamorous as it looks on television.”

That was my initial thought one morning at six o’clock as I sat in my dimly lit living room, the latest and greatest in plastic toys surrounding me.  Mommy-hood looked incredibly inviting on the television, with happy smiles and quiet moments.  The Mommy on the screen was smartly dressed in pressed khakis and a streamlined button-down shirt.  She smiled brightly as her children eagerly piled into the sparkling family mini-van.  Her hair glistened with natural highlights as she twirled her perfectly chubby baby in the air.  Television Mommy had no fussy children, no dirty diapers, and no sleepless nights.  Things were happy, children were content, and the laundry was never out of control.

At that particular moment that morning, I had found myself in the midst of the journey called Mommy-hood and had yet to experience any such glamour the television advertisements had promised.  Rather than pressed khakis, I was dressed in wrinkled pajamas that did a less than mediocre job of disguising my post-baby tummy.  Children were not eager to begin the day’s activities.  Instead, the two year old was proclaiming loudly from his crib that he desperately needed apple juice while the newborn was hungrily gulping on a bottle.  I could not recall the last time I had actually styled my hair, much less had the sun shine on it in such a way that others stop to take notice.

As I sat there on my couch, contemplating why my version of Mommy-hood was not nearly as exciting as I had been lead to believe, I found myself overwhelmed, discouraged, and desperately wishing I was “That Girl.”

“That Girl” was not the girl whose children happily went about chores when asked, most likely humming a song from The Sound of Music as they worked.

Even that life seemed too complicated at the moment.

“That Girl” was a version of me at the age of 21, a senior in college, the world at my feet.  She was able to sleep as long as she desired in the morning and did not have to concern herself with such details as breakfast preparation or diaper changing.  “That Girl” was able to take a shower without an audience of people under three feet tall crying over the fact they have been forbidden from eating hair gel.  She would have thrown on a pair of size 4 jeans without hesitation or resistance from a tummy that has housed unborn babies.  Her agenda for the day would consist of such things as, “Swing by the mall and browse sale racks,” “Hang out at the gym with roommates,” and “Decide between Social Activity A or Social Activity B for the evening.”

As I sat on my couch, struggling to read the clock on the mantle, I really wanted to be 21 at the moment rather than in my current role as Mommy.  “That Girl” would not have to load and unload children from car seats multiple times a day, she would not have to scrape green applesauce off her china hutch for the third time that week, and wound not have to wonder if tear-free shampoo was toxic when consumed by the capfuls.  Her clothes were not spotted with an array of child bodily fluids and her hairstyle choices were not limited to ponytail or ….ponytail.  Her life was whimsical and carefree and how I envied it that morning.

Despite my longings, I managed to pull myself off the couch and go on with Mommy-hood.  Had I magically become “That Girl” on such a morning, I would have missed out on my toddler telling me his nose was “crying”, for which he needed a Kleenex, and would have not witnessed the first attempts at a giggle by my newborn.  I would have missed singing “E-I-E-I-O” at the top of my lungs to entertain my children in the car, as the man next to us at the stoplight looked on with a mixture of horror and confusion.  I would have missed holding a sleeping baby, whose little hand wrapped perfectly around my finger.  I would have missed stifling a giggle with my husband when our two year old walked into the living room looking quite studious in a pair of glasses from his Mr. Potato Head set.  If I were “That Girl” I would have missed the joyful splashes in the bathtub and the unforgettable scent of a freshly washed child.  I would have missed out on the unconditional love and often complete adoration, even when denied the chance to eat hair gel, by the two most precious beings on earth.

“That Girl” can keep her life because I realized things are pretty good here in Mommy-hood land.

However, I might trade the spit-up covered shirts for those size four jeans every once in a while

Bye, bye to the bah bah!

We recently packed up Molly’s baby bottles, and the few pacifiers she had. We affectionately call her baby bottle her “bah bah.” And over the course of her infanthood she had accumulated about a billion of them! Slow flow nipples, plastic, glass, colored, clear- enough to fill a pretty good size box!

Apparently age 1, is when doctors recommend you start to transition a baby from bottles to sippy cups. It’s also the time when some doctors recommend phasing out pacifiers. I wasn’t too worried about that though, because Molly never really took to pacifiers. But just as I was closing up the box, Molly noticed one of her little pacifiers on the top. And just like that – it was in her mouth. I had to take a picture!

It was like she knew we were saying goodbye to a part of her babyhood.

I already knew I felt a little sad to see it all go. Everyday she loses a little bit more of her baby self, and gains a little bit more toddler in return. It’s bittersweet. I want her to grow and become independent, but I also want her to stay my tiny pink baby that needs me.

We packed up the box. Taped it up. Stowed it on a shelf in the garage…  I let her keep the single pacifier though, I think we both just need it to still be around.

An Open Letter of Apology

Dear New Parents visiting our Neighborhood Park Yesterday,

First, let me congratulate you on your beautiful three month old daughter. I am sure she is quite lovely, but the 3.5 second glimpse I was able to catch of her when not chasing my own children only told me she was wearing pink socks. They were nice.

Allow me to apologize for the fact that all the pictures of your baby’s first trip to the park will also include my son. Apparently he was quite excited to have someone else to share his new found discovery of a pine cone with other than his own Mommy. Years from now when you look back on little Susie’s first ride on the swing or trip down the slide and see a smiling, blue-eyed boy in the corner of all your pictures, please know that he was well-intended in his apparent endeavors to ruin every family photo taken yesterday. His name is “Isaac” if you care to simply write him into your daughter’s baby book.

Also know that if you are blessed with more children, you will likely allow number two (or three or four…) to sit in the wood chips and dig to her heart’s content. You will not panic when she decides to sample her surroundings, just calmly rake the wood chip from her mouth while continuing on with your conversation (I know witnessing this was a bit horrific to you at the time yesterday). If you are truly blessed to have children close together, you will simply look at the oldest with a confused expression when he too decides to eat a wood chip simply because his younger sister did (fortunately, he chewed his up).

Best of luck in parenting your new bundle of joy. The weather is predicted to be nice again today so perhaps you can re-do your park photo shoot minus my children.

Sincerely,

A Fellow Parent

40+ Tips for Trips with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Road trip ideas including activities to entertain your kids, crafts that are car-friendly, snack suggestions, and random other tidbits that might help you in your road-trip this summer.

 

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Activities:

• Get a bunch of Dollar Store toys (stickers, figurines/dolls, felt boards, trinkets, magnifying glass, noise makers, etc). Individually wrap them before hand so part of the fun is unwrapping them.
• Make a map of your journey and track it with the kids – as you reach certain points they can get a toy/snack.  This teaches them map skills while also occupying them with toys and the anticipation of the destination.  You can laminate it and write on the laminated map with a wipeable marker/crayon.
• Mini-white board – Color with dry erase markers (these can stain your carseat cover or kids clothes) or with the new Crayola wipeable crayons (these don’t stain).   Take a CD case and replace the cover with white paper.  You can store a tissue, or better yet, a dried out diaper wipe – they are more sturdy – to wipe with inside the case.  It is an instant mini-white board.  Another adaptation, use a hand held mirror to color on.  Magnadoodles are great too!
• Books on CD – or better yet, read to the kids aloud, but then,  CDs take up less space.
• Let them take pictures of what you are driving by with a disposable or better yet, a digital camera (if you trust them with it).
• A Box of Bandaids = let them play “Dr.”
• “I spy” Jar: Make a jar of tiny treasures (paper clips, candy, hairbow, button, penny, ring, key, etc.).  Fill the jar with rice, wheat, dried lentils, whatever, and glue the lid onto the jar.  Have the kids find the items by turning the jar.
• Blow bubbles out the window or at the kids – you don’t want to do this too often as things can get sticky, but it is all washable.
• Flashlight – the kind with different colored lights is best.    A great way to entertain them once it is dark out – assuming you couldn’t get them to go to sleep.
• Toy magazines – these keep my kids entertained for hours.  You can even let them cut out pictures of the things they want and make a “wish list” collage if you are feeling adventurous.
• DVD and a portable player for when you are desperate.
• Other Random Games like “I spy”,  the alphabet game or license plates, etc.  This site has a list of a dozen or so.

Art in the car:

• Body art = those washable tattos are always fun, but the kids can also draw on themselves with washable markers.  It is a great way to entertain them and sure to get lots of laughs!  Light colored markers wash off the carseat covers easily (like yellow, light blue, pink, etc.).  We had some stains with the black and dark blue markers.
• Aluminum Foil – use it to bunch and mold into shapes.
• Make paperbag puppets.  Tie the crayons/markers to their carseats with string so they can’t loose them if they are dropped.
• Pipecleaners.  Make into jewelry, animals, springs, braid, etc.
• Ink Pad – finger print creations.  Inspired by Draw Thumb People.  Let your kids make finger prints and transform them into a variety of creatures.
• Board Game Bag – If your kids enjoy board games, here is a site that explains how to make your own board game bag.  They use it for checkers and Tic-Tac-Toe, but it can be adapted to use for “Make a Match” or Bingo.

Snack Ideas for your trip:

• Boxes of raisins, string cheese, crackers, grapes, apple slices, juice boxes,
• “Surprise” Mix: Nuts, M&Ms, dried fruit, granola, goldfish crackers, pretzels, gummy fruit snacks.  They get a scoop of the mix and it is different each time.  Half the fun is picking out what they want to eat out of the mix first!
• Fruit roll-ups or fruit leather.
• Pepperoni slices – not super healthy, but my kids enjoy them and they are a source of protein on a long carb-packed trip.

Must pack items:

• Bring LOTS of ziplock baggies.  They are great for everything!
• diaper wipes (even if your kids are potty trained!)
• a first aid kit with tylenol (for both kids and adults)
• a few dishtowels for spills and with a clothespin they become bibs
• bottle bungees can be used to contain toys too
• sippy cups – even if your kids have grown out of them
• Painter tape – the kids can play with it, you can use it to label things and it can be used to cover outlets in hotels.  Painter tape is better than masking tape as it is removable without harming the surfaces it was on.

Things to play with at your destination – assuming you are not at home but don’t have toys when you get there and have limited space in the car:

• Box = tunnel, house, decorate it, etc.
• Beach ball or other inflatable ball
• Balloons
• Shaving Cream
• Sheet = tent, dress up, bouncing things, etc.

Random Tips:

• Cover your seats with a sheet – this means all you have to do is unhook the car seats, shake the sheet out and you suddenly have a clean car again!
• If your kids are potty trained, put a disposable diaper into the bottom of your portable or toddler potty.  This will save you from having to use the nasty gas station bathrooms.  The diaper in the potty will soak up the urine and limit spills till you can find a place to dispose of the waste.
• Pack the night before and leave as early as you can.  Hopefully, the kids will sleep through most of the morning!
• Try to limit your stops, but when you do stop plan on stopping for at least an hour so the kids can burn some energy.

This article was written by Rachel, mom to three under three.  Check out her blog, Quirky Momma, for lots of other tips to keep your sanity, learning activities and messy games to fill your day with fun.

Fun in the Tub with Bathtub Paint

Kids love to painting.  Moms don’t love to clean up the mess.  What if you could combine painting with cleaning the bathtub?

This is bathtub paint.  You can make it thick and use it as finger paint, or you can dilute it and use it with paintbrushes.  This “paint” is washable, does not stain and will help you clean your tub.

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Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of Dish Detergent
• 1/2 Cup of Cornstarch
• 1/2 Cup of boiling water
• Food Coloring (liquid kind is best)

I used antibacterial, scented hand soap.  Know whatever soap you use, your kids will coat themselves with it – so be sure to pick something that won’t cause a reaction.

Directions:

Mix the cornstarch into the hot water until it is dissolved and the consistency is pasty.  Add the soap and mix until there are no chunks.  Add food coloring.  Store in an airtight container.

The paint may separate slightly when stored, stir before use.  Test the paint on a patch of your tub to ensure that your food coloring does not stain – and have fun!

This post was written by Rachel, mommy to three under three.  Bathtub time is fun time for the kids and quiet time for me!  Want more activities like this?  Check out my blog Quirky Momma!

Potty Training in Less than a Day?

The last 5 years have been great as far as changing diapers, spending money on diapers and cleaning up dirty diapers! That is due to my youngest child finally moving to regular underwear! Back then, one of the most popular potty training books my friends and I used was Toilet Training In Less Than A Day by Nathan Azrin.

Many of my friends have had great success with this book.

I also picked up a few other ideas along the way.

Below are my favorite tips for potty training a toddler.

Potty training should start when your child is truly ready in all three areas: physical, mental and social. Your child must have the physical ability to perform the steps involved. They should understand how the body works and know the clues. Also, they should have the desire to learn.

Once you have a potty chair, and you are sure your child understands moving from diapers into underwear, ask them to bring you their favorite “lovey” or stuffed animal. Have them teach their “baby” first. This assures that they understand the process and are ready to move forward. If they have a hard time with this, you may want to put it off, but if they are willing to try, go ahead with the thought of introducing it to them.

The basics of the one day training was to set aside one full day that you can teach your child without interruptions. I explained that they were showing signs of being ready and were old enough to move into regular (big girl/boy) underwear. I gave my daughter some lightly salted popcorn and her first coke and explained that these would help us with our potty training for ONE day! Some smart kids may decide to prolong it for a few more days just to get these treats! I had her sit on the potty for 10 minutes and kept her entertained with books, cards, coloring etc. After 10 minutes she could eat some popcorn,drink her soda and play for about 10 minutes. We kept her out of diapers, pull-ups or underwear during this time, yes that means bottom half is out in the open. Then we started over again, sit on the potty for 10 minutes and then we increased the time off the potty about 5 to 10 minutes each time. So you would start off with 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, 10 minutes on, 15 minutes off, 10 minutes on, 20 minutes off, etc. Continuing to fill them up with her snack which would make them thirsty, the more they drank the more opportunities you gave them to practice. You can use any snack or drink, but these were my preference for this special day!

Once you have introduced potty training, buy several pairs of underwear with your child’s favorite character. Wrap them up in some fun paper or present them in a special way. Let your child know that they have had some success potty training and they are now ready for underwear with their favorite character on them. Then after they model them and put them on and you clap and make a big deal about it, inform them that Cinderella (replace with favorite character name) doesn’t like to get wet or dirty. So, as soon as you need to go to the bathroom, don’t forget, run quickly to keep them dry and clean. A few of my friends tried this when they knew their kids were ready, understood and were still too busy playing to take care of business. If they do have an accident, you could try this note (or email)…

Dear (child’s name),

I am so proud of you for learning how to use the potty! I am also glad you got some underwear with my picture on it. Try to remember to tell your parents as soon as you feel the urge and then go to the restroom. Please remember that I don’t like to get wet or dirty and I love it when I stay dry!

We all have accidents sometimes and if you do, please tell your parents right away! They won’t be mad and then they can wash them quickly, clean me up and you can wear them again.

I am proud of you!

(sign characters name)

Remember each child develops differently. An age range could be anywhere from 18 months to 3 years. By 4, most kids are completely independent.

If you start and realize your child is not ready, try again in a few months.

You can’t make your child complete potty training until they are ready. You can start the training but they decide when it ends. This is not a battle and if it starts to head in that direction, put it off.

Toilet training usually cannot be accomplished in one day. You can accomplish a lot and get the basics down but expect accidents to happen and be prepared in case they do.

Have an extra set of clothing, a plastic bag to put wet clothes in and some wet wipes available nearby when you are out. Do not yell, punish or criticize when they have an accident.

Use positive reinforcement. Point out how proud you are when they make it to the bathroom.

Bedwetting is normal. For both kids the nighttime took much longer. We used night pull ups at bedtime and would try a few nights in a row every couple of months.

Nighttime dryness is achieved only when a child’s body is developed. You can’t “teach” this because it is not a skill. I know many boys that continued to wear night pull ups until the age of 7 and 8. I asked our pediatrician about this and they recommended to bring it up to the doctor to rule out any problems but that some kids may not develop this ability until later.

Please let us know if you have used any of these tips, have a book recommendation or other ideas to pass along!

Cammie Moise is the founder and editor of Moms Material.  She is a Texan mom who writes about all the fun and educational things she has come across in her 10 years of mommyhood.

Mom: The Age of Maximum Cuteness

To My Sweet Little G,

Today you are 18 months old, also known in our family as “The Age of Maxium Cuteness, ” a phrase coined by your Great Grandfather, Gordon Teague.

And you know what, you are living up to it.

You are pretty cute right now, I have to say. You need proof. Ok fine. Here it is.

And here’s a list of things to prove it as well.

Here’s a list of most of the words you say right now: Mama, Dada, MeowMeow (a.k.a cat), No-No!, Yes, Bah-Bah (as in bye-bye, not sheep), hi, nigh-nigh (night night), Anna, Beh (for Ben), BAHWL (for ball), Wow, bear (kinda like you have a Boston accent), and Oh No!

You also still do signs for “eat,” “milk,” and “more” and use them quite often.

You and “Beh” like to play silly “games” together now including one where he gets you to nod across the table at meal time either “yes” or “no” and the two of you giggle like crazy as he switches very fast and you follow. You also like to play “chase” where he sort of tackles you once he catches you and more giggling ensues.

He also likes to get you to point to the parts of your body (see video at the end of this post). One of your favorite places to point is your “poupeck, ” which is the Czech word for belly button (as a side note here, please don’t forget you are half Czech, k?)

You like to act “shy” a lot by turning your chin down to your left or right shoulder and getting a sort of pouty look on your face. I wish I had a picture.

Oh and by the way, you’re a lot smarter than you want to let on sometimes and I am on to you Mister! Like the other night when you were acting up while I was trying to put your diaper on after bath and you kept rolling over and screaming, while arching your back, making it virtually impossible for me to complete the task. I looked you in the eye and said that you could let me put your diaper on or go to your crib and you immediately stopped and layed on you back and let me finish. Yeah, I know you understand…

And your run, which I still need to get on video as well. It’s so funny and cute because you put your entire lower body all in when you run and your booty does this crazy back and forth, hip shake thingy!

Unfortunately you like to throw things lately and last week you hit brother in the face and hurt him under the eye. He was not happy. I know you are still learning but “No throwing!” okay? But when you or “brother” do have a little issue with one another it’s so cute how you hug and make up. I am so glad you have each other even if there are moments when you don’t want ot share.

You are an awesome baby to put to bed. Most nights we just put you in your crib and you are out within a matter of minutes, with no fussing and a blanket on either side to snuggle up to. I have to admit that makes me a little nervous but that’s the way you want it.

Brushing your teeth is an ENTIRELY. DIFFERENT. story. We currently call that part of the bedtime routine the “Chinese Water Torture.” (Disclaimer: I have no idea where that came from and mean no disrespect to any ethnicity.) You scream and kick like mad. What is up with that anyway? We’ve tried the nice approach, honestly we have.

You like to take your food OUT OF THE CONTAINER YOURSELF. Cookies, you want to pull them out of the huge Costco bucket BY YOUR SELF. The fruit snacks you are now addicted to (note to self: must buy more of those) MUST be taken BY YOU out of the little bag they come it. If someone else, ANYONE else tries to take them out for you…..well ,it’s not pretty. Not pretty AT. ALL. Exhibit A: You and your cookies.

Speaking of eating, you are actually already quite good with a spoon because you know why? You haven’t let me feed you since you were like 7 months old and I figured I’d just let you go at it. And because of that, you’re pretty darn good.

You do have fun at bath time but you can’t stand being washed and always try to climb out of the tub.

Personally, I think you have “space” issues. No snuggling (please, just a little?), no one else feeding you, no washing. I think I just sort of figured you out, you little 1 and a 1/2 year old. See, even blogging can bring epiphanies…

And now, so that you can see how cute you are, I have a little video for your viewing pleasure (p.s. your brother is pretty cute in it too.)

In all seriousness, I love you my little boy and you light up our lives every single day. I Thank God for the joy and love you bring to our family. Happy 18 Months!

Elaine is a DFW mom. She writes The Miss Elaine-ous Life about motherhood, family and boys…

GIVE AWAY – Custom Blanket/Pillow Set from Javis Davis

WE HAVE A WINNER!

With the following comment:  “those are GORGEOUS fabrics & baby bedding sets! I’m not expecting, but they make me wish I was so I could decorate a whole nursery around them! BUT….I do have a sister-in-law that is prego and I’d love to give her a special gift so I hope I win ”

Ranae is the Javis Davis GIVE AWAY WINNER!

Congratulations…and thanks to all who entered.

Lee Ann will be contacting you soon on how you can choose from over 350 fabrics to customize your blanket and pillow set.

I am so excited that we are GIVING AWAY a fully customizable blanket/pillow set from Javis Davis valued at $67 to a burbmom.net reader!

If you have been following the “Three Little Girls” Design series that is currently running (Part I is here), you have seen the fun fabrics that were chosen for the room.  I searched high and low for something timeless, unique, and girly – but not too “little girly” and found it online at Javis Davis. All the pillows that were used in that room are custom pillows from Javis Davis website.  The fantastic fabrics I found there inspired the color scheme.

Recently I was surfing around the Burbmom.net CONNECTS online social network and came across a new member, Lee Ann Saye.  On her personal page she listed her business as a Javis Davis Design Partner.  I was so excited because I LOVE the products, the ability to customize and the REASONABLE prices and now there is someone LOCAL that can help.

Here are some of the fun things that she has helped create:

Are you or someone you know looking for nursery or kid bedding?

Lantana resident and Javis Davis Design Partner Lee Ann Saye can help guide you through the process of creating unique, one of a kind bedding that reflects your individuality and style. Whether its crib bedding, kid bedding, pillows or window coverings, she has over 300 fabric samples on hand to help you create a custom look. Best of all, you will find it surprisingly affordable (crib sets from $330.00).

Give Lee Ann a call to schedule a free consultation:  214-802-8899

She can be reached by email: lasaye@javisdavis.com

Lee Ann has generously offered to GIVE AWAY a fully customizable blanket/pillow set like you see here! It has a value of $67.  It makes an AMAZING shower gift or can be used as a toddler’s nap set.  The fabrics are so comfy, you will want to keep it for yourself…

This contest is closed, but please contact Lee Ann for more information about her amazing customizable bedding options.

Pacifier Drama – Episode II

Have I mentioned that Rhett (2) is a bit of a ham? I have no idea where he got that characteristic. He pretty much lives his life like he is on RhettTV. Which, while entertaining, has its drawbacks as in the never ending saga of his pacifier issues.

In the last pacifier episode, my husband was taking care of the boys. Rhett managed to land pee, poop and binky in the potty. The pacifier was fished out and hermetically sealed for my return…

RhettTV must have overheard how hysterical I found the daddy/binky/toilet story. Based on this audience response, RhettTV decided (as many shows do) that a sequel was essential to future ratings.

This time I took RhettTV to the potty in a PUBLIC RESTROOM. He sat down, peed and then yelled to me, “MOM!”

I looked over.

He smiled wide and deliberate.

And in slow motion as if professionally choreographed…

he released the binky from that smile,

*close up* it started rotating end over end,

falling,

falling,

falling,

maneuvered between his legs to an audible…

SPLASH!

RhettTV maintained twinkling eye contact the entire time.

And just before the credits rolled he stated triumphantly:

“My B fell down theeeerrrrreeee again!”

*laugh track*

*fade to black*

What RhettTV did not write into the script was that this mommy is absolutely NOT willing to clean anything dropped into a PUBLIC toilet.

The parent network is reviewing RhettTV’s contract. RhettTV’s binky episode reviews have included phrases like “over the top”, “viewer backlash” and “jumping the shark”. The parent network has already canceled upcoming binky episodes which has put the future of RhettTV in limbo.

Pacifier Drama – episode I

My husband had the boys almost all weekend so that I could go do something fun. Very fun. I received a call on Saturday late afternoon that went a little like this:

Ummmmm…

Hello? Is everything OK?

Oh yes, I just have a question.

Sure, what is up?

Rhett (2) just went to the bathroom by himself and he made me leave the bathroom and shut the door.

Ya, he does that to me too.

When I returned to the bathroom he had pooped and peed.

Good.

And he was sitting on the toilet all bent over with his head between his legs.

OK…

And then he said this, “I dropped my B (binky) down theeeeerrreeee.”

*trying not to laugh hysterically* So, did you flush the binky?

No, I fished it out and put it in a plastic bag.

OK.

But…I am not sure what to do with it now.

You could wash it or put it in the dishwasher…

Yuck. I don’t think I want to know what you are going to do with it.

Don’t worry I will take care of it when I get home.

And that is why when I returned home a few hours later I was presented with a Ziploc bag of contaminated pacifier held gingerly with two fingers of the outstretched hand of my husband.

Please watch for episode II airing soon…

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